From the turnout at Huron Pines Annual Meeting, there is a lot of community interest in Invasive Species in Michigan. Over 90 leaders from across Northeast Michigan met in Gaylord to learn more about these destructive invaders. The meeting featured several speakers who all emphasized the need for early detection and rapid response when dealing with invasive species.

Ken Hyde, a Wildlife Biologist with the National Park Service at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, delivered an overview of the topic.  First off he asked, “What is an invasive species?” Hyde answered it is a non-native species that multiplies quickly and displaces native species. And, we should care about this because the native wildlife we enjoy needs ecosystems made up of native species.

Invasive species can be accidentally introduced, such as the emerald ash borer hitching a ride on lumber imports, or purposely introduced such as the planting of purple loosestrife for landscaping. Hyde highlighted control methods including mechanical control (mowing, cutting, tilling, etc.), chemical control, biological control such as the use of natural predators, and cultural control such as fire and flooding. He also emphasized the need for awareness when we are purchasing seed mixes. Make sure you are not spreading non-native species by knowing exactly what you are planting.

John Legge from the Michigan Nature Conservancy noted the importance of dealing with invasive species because along with habitat degradation and loss, invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity. He focused on the Nature Conservancy’s efforts to remove baby’s breath and restore dune ecosystems on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The goals of the removal effort included the elimination of baby’s breath on the Lake Michigan shoreline over a 10-year period and the creation of a monitoring network. By creating effective partnerships with the Michigan DNR, regional land conservancies and the National Park Service, 427 acres have been treated, over a quarter of the infested area over the last two years.

Lastly, Brian Mastenbrook, a Wildlife Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, discussed a community approach to invasive species removal. Specifically, he worked the Beaver Island Association and a number of partners to control a wetland invader, phragmites. By taking a grassroots approach, the group was able to clearly communicate the goals of the project and gain landowner permission to treat phragmites on private property. To combat the nasty invasive, chemical control methods were used by a hired contractor. Mastenbrook stressed the fact that teams can accomplish more than individuals, well defined roles and goals are necessary, and being patient and flexible are key factors in successful projects.

The Beaver Island project resulted in the overall presence of phragmites being greatly reduced, an ordinance making future control easier and a procedural change in the DEQ permit process. Other communities are also taking note of this project and applying it to their own invasive species concerns.

Through the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program, Huron Pines recently created the Invasive Species Program to address such issues. The program is targeting major invasive species in Northeast Michigan, namely purple loosestrife, buckthorn and phragmites. 

We’ve had a number of people ask about the speaker presentations. To view them, visit Invasive Species (under Invasive Species Presentations). 

For more information about where to purchase native plants, contact the Michigan Native Plant Producers Association or Wildflower Association of Michigan. In addition, see if your local conservation district hosts a native plant sale.

In addition to the presentations, winners of the O.B. Eustis Environmental Awards were recognized. Since 1995, Huron Pines has been a partner with the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and the award's selection committee to recognize the legacy left by Eustis, a man remembered as a respected industrialist, environmentalist and nature columnist in northeast Michigan, said Brad Jensen, Huron Pines executive director. The award is given to individuals, businesses or groups that balance resource conservation and development.

(left to right) Paul Rose, Huron Pines Board Member, Roger Frye, winner of the Huron Pines Volunteer Service Award, and Jim Supina, winner of one of the O.B. Eustis Awards.

The advisory committee for Negwegon State Park, Rockport and Thompson's Harbor State Park was rewarded for balancing stakeholder interests with resource conservation during the recent phase one planning process for the three areas.

Jim Supina of Comins also received an award for providing outstanding leadership for various conservation groups in Northeast Michigan including the Montmorency County Conservation Club, Wild Turkey Federation, HeadWaters Land Conservancy and Pigeon River Advisory Council.

Lastly, 20-year board member Roger Frye was recognized for his outstanding contributions to Huron Pines. Frye served on the Huron Pines board as well as the Montmorency County Board of Commissioners for over two decades. With his guidance, Huron Pines has been able to grow into an effective conservation organization meeting a number of community needs across the 11 counties of Northeast Michigan.